Two people were arrested after a shooting on a bus near Central Library, leaving one person in life-threatening condition, Calgary police said.
On Wednesday at 11:40 a.m. the Calgary Police Service (CPS) was called downtown to 3 Street SE for after reports of a fight on a city bus parked outside the library.
Reports to CPS were made after the transit conductor parked the bus outside the library following a commotion in the vehicle.
Police showed up at the scene involving a number of individuals carrying weapons which eventually resulted in a shooting. Subjects involved in the incident are believed to be known to each other. Besides a firearm, a can of bear spray was deployed at the moment.
The person injured has been identified as a male who was transported to the hospital in a life-threatening condition.
Police say several bystanders attempted life-saving measures for the injured man until medical emergency services arrived.
CPS remains in the area to investigate the case further.
“Officers are currently in the area searching for anyone connected to this incident and have two people in custody,” said the CPS Media Relations Unit.
After the shooting, police believe the perpetrators fled the scene – prompting a search throughout the downtown core by CPS.
“A nearby restaurant was contained and searched after reports that one of the suspects had entered shortly after the incident, however, none were located during the search. Two suspects were taken into custody on Ninth Avenue near Fort Calgary and one person remains outstanding,” said CPS.
CPS and Calgary Transit are working closely to obtain CCTV footage from the shooting and determine if the person in custody is responsible for the shooting.
More details will be provided as they become available, according to CPS. Anyone with details is asked to call police at 403-266-1234, or submit tips anonymously to Crime Stoppers.
Police Chief and Superintendent respond to shooting
Calgary Police Chief Mark Neufeld said that he was aware of the shooting, and the continued concern that the incident would have.
“Obviously, there’s been lots of concern expressed lately in relation to safety on transit, and we’re having the discussion about LRT platforms.”
“I understand this one was on a city bus—very disconcerting.”
He said that the issue of violence, including this shooting, was bigger than just incidents on Calgary Transit.
“This is going on all over in our city.”
“It’s still a pretty rare event, but impactful, and certainly at high noon, down around the library and firearms, that’s a major, major issue.”
Chief Neufeld said that the service would continue to ensure Calgarian’s safety.
CPS Superintendent Cliff O’Brien also shared his disappointment with the incident in contrast to CPS’ efforts to ensure safety in public spaces.
“This is a disappointing development as we ramp up our enforcement efforts to ensure the safety of public spaces in our city,” he said.
“All those who were responsible for the events that lead to such reckless disregard of public safety will be held accountable.”
